Wednesday, April 7, 2004

Atlantic County Celebrates Public Health Week, April 5-11

At a reception held on Wednesday, April 7 to celebrate Public Health Week, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson presented the 2004 Public Health Partnership Award to the Spanish Community Center. The annual award recognizes community members or agencies that have made a significant contribution to the public health mission by promoting healthy living and healthy communities.

"The Spanish Community Center plays an essential role in the community," stated Levinson. "I applaud its dedication to helping people live longer, healthier lives. It is a true public health partner."

With offices in Atlantic City and Buena, the Spanish Community Center assists the county's growing Hispanic population in achieving self-sufficiency by providing a multitude of services that include eye screenings, HIV/AIDS prevention, substance abuse counseling, diabetes management, mammography, summer camp and latch-key programs.

"The Spanish Community Center goes well beyond the traditional role of service provider," said Tracye McArdle, Atlantic County Public Health Officer. "The staff is 100 percent bi-lingual and bi-cultural and dedicated to meeting the needs of its clients."

In addition to recognizing the Partnership Award recipient, Levinson took the opportunity to thank the public health employees. "Your contribution and commitment to serving our community is deeply appreciated. As a result of your efforts we enjoy better immunizations, safe food and clean water."

Among the challenges that face public health professionals are obesity, tobacco use and health disparities, said McArdle. "Our job is to help educate the community and affect a positive change."

For more information about public health, visit the Atlantic County Web site at www.aclink.org/publichealth or call the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5935.

County News